November 2025 2 Reds – Everyday
2022 vintage of Casata Monticello Barbera d’Alba, a classic Barbera wine from Piedmont’s Barbera d’Alba DOC — known for bright fruit, vibrant acidity, and expressive character typical of this region and vintage:
🍷 Tasting Notes — Casata Monticello Barbera d’Alba 2022
Appearance:
Deep ruby red with garnet highlights in the glass — youthful yet richly colored, signaling fruit concentration and good extraction.
Aroma (Nose):
Generous aromatics of ripe cherries and plum rise first, accompanied by hints of vanilla and sweet spice. Subtle nuances of cocoa and licorice add complexity and a touch of old-world warmth.
Palate (Taste):
On the palate this vintage offers bold fruit flavors — juicy red and dark cherries lead, followed by ripe plum and soft baking spice. The wine’s naturally bright acidity gives it lift and freshness, while medium tannins lend structure without heaviness. A hint of spiced cocoa and licorice continues through the mid-palate, making it both expressive and balanced.
Finish:
The finish is smooth and lingering, with lingering red fruit and gentle spice notes that make this wine very food-friendly and satisfying on its own.
🍇 Style Summary
- Varietal: 100% Barbera — vibrant and juicy, showcasing the freshness of the 2022 vintage.
- Body: Medium-bodied with lively acidity and integrated tannins.
- Flavor Profile: Red cherries, plum, sweet spice, vanilla, cocoa, and licorice.
🍽️ Food Pairing
This 2022 Barbera d’Alba is beautifully versatile with food — pair it with tomato-based pasta dishes, grilled sausages, roasted pork, pizza, or aged cheeses. Its vibrant acidity cuts through rich sauces and complements savory flavors common in Italian cuisine.
The Chook Sparkling Shiraz (Australian sparkling red wine from Shiraz fruit, typically sourced from McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek in South Australia):
🍷 Tasting Notes — The Chook Sparkling Shiraz
Appearance:
Vivid ruby to deep garnet red with a frothy mousse of bubbles that gives it a festive, effervescent presence in the glass — a striking look for a sparkling red.
Aroma (Nose):
Bright and lively with lifted red and dark berry notes — think raspberry, cherry, and blackberry — accompanied by hints of black licorice, spice, and subtle peppery warmth. Some expressions show tea leaf or earthy accents that add complexity to the aromatics.
Palate (Taste):
On the palate this sparkling Shiraz is medium-to-full-bodied yet playful, with juicy dark fruit flavors (blackberry, cassis, red currant) balanced by bright acidity and a lively bead. You might notice spice notes like white pepper or subtle oak-derived toast, and a tannic backbone that gives structure without heaviness. Compared to many sparkling reds, this version is less sweet and more balanced, with a tangy, energetic finish.
Finish:
The finish is clean and persistent, echoing fresh red berries and spice — refreshing for a fruit-driven sparkling style and well suited to casual drinking or festive occasions.
🍇 Style Summary
- Varietal: 100% Shiraz (Sparkling red)
- Profile: Juicy fruit focus with lively bubbles, balanced acidity, and spice notes — a fun and approachable take on sparkling Shiraz.
- Texture: Smooth yet energetic, with a good bead and medium weight on the palate.
🍽️ Food Pairings
Pairs especially well with:
- Grilled meats and barbeque (pork, sausages, lamb)
- Spicy dishes (BBQ sauces, peppery Asian foods)
- Cheese plates (especially with peppery or aged cheeses)
- Festive meals or casual gatherings, where bubbles and bold fruit make for fun contrast.
